How to Wash and Care for Your Underwire Bras
By Bendon Lingerie New Zealand: Bendon. It's time to Bra Better | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the right way to wash and dry your underwire bras to keep them supportive, comfortable, and long-lasting. Simple steps for hand washing and machine washing.
Quick answer
Hand wash your underwire bras in cool water with a gentle lingerie detergent, then lay them flat to dry. This simple routine prevents wire distortion, fabric wear, and loss of shape.
Why underwire bras need special care
Underwire bras rely on a flexible metal or plastic wire sewn into the cup channel. Harsh washing and drying can bend or break that wire, making the bra unwearable. Even gentle machine cycles can cause the underwire to poke through the fabric over time. Hand washing gives you full control and is the safest method for bras with underwires.
The lace, mesh, and foam used in underwire bras also need gentle treatment. For example, the Midnight Express Underwire Bra from Fayreform features reinforced bottom cups and an internal cup sling—these supportive details can lose their shape if tossed in a machine with heavy items. Similarly, the delicate Swiss embroidery on the Oasis Glow Underwire Bra can snag or fray in a wash cycle.
What you'll need for proper bra care
To get started, gather a few basics: a mild lingerie detergent (no bleach or fabric softener), a clean sink or basin with cool water, a soft towel for drying, and a mesh laundry bag if you ever choose to machine wash. Avoid using hot water or dryer sheets, as they break down elastic and foam.
If you're caring for a bra like the Sofia Underwire Bra in Black, which combines rigid lace with stretch mesh, a gentle detergent helps preserve the contrast between the structured lace and the soft mesh back wings.
Step-by-step underwire bra care routine
- 1. Prepare the wash basin: Fill a clean sink or basin with cool or lukewarm water (never hot). Add a small amount of mild lingerie detergent and swirl to dissolve. Hot water weakens elastic and can cause underwires to warp.
- 2. Soak and gently clean: Submerge your bra and let it soak for 10–15 minutes. Gently rub the fabric against itself—especially the underband and cup seams—to loosen oils and dirt. Avoid scrubbing or twisting the cups. Never wring or twist the bra; this can bend the underwire permanently.
- 3. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill with cool water. Swish the bra gently until all detergent is gone. Repeat if needed. Press the bra against the side of the basin to remove excess water—do not squeeze the cups. Residual detergent can irritate skin and break down elastic over time.
- 4. Dry flat on a towel: Lay a clean, dry towel on a flat surface. Place the bra on the towel, reshape the cups, and roll the towel up gently to absorb moisture. Then unroll and let the bra air dry flat on a drying rack or a fresh towel. Never hang a wet underwire bra by the straps. Hanging a wet underwire bra stretches the straps and can distort the wire channel.
- 5. Rotate and store properly: Let bras rest for at least 24 hours between wears. Store them flat or stacked with cups nested, never folded in half. If you must machine wash, use a mesh bag on a delicate cycle with cold water and skip the spin cycle. Wearing the same bra two days in a row doesn't give the elastic time to recover.
Products mentioned in this guide
- Midnight Express Underwire Bra: Reinforced bottom cups provide additional support and modesty; internal cup sling for uplift and forward bust projection. These supportive features can be damaged by machine washing, making hand washing essential to maintain the bra's lift and shape.
Midnight Express Underwire Bra - Oasis Glow Underwire Bra: Features exclusive Swiss-designed embroidery and floral stretch lace, with soft stretch lace back wings. Delicate embroidery and lace require gentle hand washing to prevent snags and preserve the intricate design.
Oasis Glow Underwire Bra - Sofia Underwire Bra - Black: Rigid lace and soft stretch mesh combined in a balconette underwire style with picot trims and gathered satin. The mix of rigid and stretch fabrics means harsh washing can cause uneven shrinkage or distortion of the lace scallop edge.
